Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction and odds for Game 1 (New York can cover)
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers square off in Game 1 of the first round at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday night.
The Knicks took three of the four matchups between these teams in the regular season, including all three after Tom Thibodeau shortened his rotation, moving Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose to the bench.
The key for this game will be whether or not All-Star forward Julius Randle will be able to play in this game. Randle has yet to take contact in practice yet after injuring his ankle on March 29 against the Miami Heat.
Cleveland has the No. 2 net rating and No. 1 offensive rating in the NBA, but do the Knicks match up well enough to cover the spread as underdogs in this game?
Knicks vs. Cavaliers odds, spread and total
Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction and pick
As a road team this season, the Knicks are not only 24-17 straight up, but they are an impressive 26-14-1 against the spread as well.
New York beat Cleveland without Randle in the last meeting between these teams, but Jarrett Allen also sat out for the Cavs in that matchup.
The key for the Knicks will be RJ Barrett, as he’s going to need to step up as a scorer, and a jump shooter, if the team wants to win this series.
In the last three matchups between these teams, New York has won by 11, 2 and 14 points.
I think the Knicks keep this game close, especially since these two teams are two of the slowest paced teams in the NBA. Once Randle’s status is announced, this line could move either way, but I think he ends up playing.
Trust New York to cover.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
